SERPICO (Released to Theaters USA 1973)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì  Serpico—true, poignant story—relies on solid camerawork and writing to build the film. Prosecuting officials for illegal activity is difficult as this movie illustrates well. This film works for adult audiences and is a worthy watch. No lack of quality here. It earns its watch. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  New York policeman, Frank Serpico, goes undercover to weed out corrupt cops taking 'dirty' money.  Additional Thanks Thank you to Director Sidney Lumet for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Martin Bregman for making the film possible. Cast includes Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire, Barbara Eda-Young, Tony Roberts, Allan Rich, and Cornelia Sharpe.   Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. Al Pacino is very well chosen for the Serpico role. The movie has an easy-to-follow structure and earns its watch. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

OCEAN’S THIRTEEN (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Ocean’s Thirteen serves up another classic Ocean’s movie with no decrease in entertainment value. The film requires closer attention to plotline as this movie’s series of cons increase in their complication from previous Ocean films. The great all-star cast continue to deliver unbeatable, on-the-spot professionalism in every scene and dialogue line. Unfortunately, this appears to be the last Ocean’s movie after the passing of Bernie Mac, but there appears to be an upcoming 2018 all-girl spinoff—Ocean’s Eight—starring Sandra Bullock.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) cons his partner, Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould), out of his part of the casino ownership. Danny Ocean (George Clooney) sets out to right the wrong with a complicated series of events meant to bankrupt Willy Bank’s reputation and casino.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Soderbergh for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Frederic W. Brost, and Susan Ekins for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell/Lenny Pepperidge (Matt Damon), Dr. Stan (Michael Mantell), Reuben’s Butler (Ray Xifo), Bank’s Junior Executive (Adam Lazarre-White), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), Yen (Shaobo Qin), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), and Turk Malloy (Scott Caan).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie serves as good brain exercise while delivering the usual excellence expected from the Ocean’s series.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE GODFATHER: PART III (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Godfather: Part III—the final chapter of the Godfather trilogy saga—goes out with a flare and a bang. Al Pacino is still the Godfather; but picks up all the pieces of the last two films, kills those hurting Corleone interests, and makes the best of the situation as he sees it. This film stands as one of the three greatest mafia movies of the 70s and 90s decades.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After a lifetime of mafia involvement, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) desires to clean up his life by tying up loose ends.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Fred Fuchs and Nicholas Gage for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kay Adams Michelson (Diane Keaton), Connie Corleone Rizzi (Talia Shire), Vincent Mancini (Andy Garcia), Don Altobello (Eli Wallach), Joey Zasa (Joe Mantegna), B.J. Harrison (George Hamilton), Grace Hamilton (Bridget Fonda), Mary Corleone (Sofia Coppola), Cardinal Lamberto (Raf Vallone), Anthony Vito Corleone (Franc D’Ambrosio), and Archbishop Gilday (Donal Donnelly).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Another worthy film by Francis Ford Coppola completes the Godfather series with finesse and style. Bravo to all involved in creating three of the best gangster movies ever made.

Video Critique Available Here:

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Ben Meyers

THE GODFATHER (Theatrical Release USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Godfather—masterpiece of the great movie collection—depicts the gruesome reality of gangster life when large egos are stepped on and when interpretation of personal intent goes awry. The Godfather performs very well for the mature adult audience and marks itself as a terrific study film for academia.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) attempts stability between the five major mob families during the 1940s and 1950s.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Robert Evans for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), Sonny Corleone (James Caan), Clemenza (Richard S. Castellano), Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), Captain McCluskey (Sterling Hayden), Jack Woltz (John Marley), Barzini (Richard Conte), Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), Kay Adams (Diane Keaton), and Tessio (Abe Vigoda).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film becomes the classic definition standard for all mafia/mob movies, the best of the best. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers